July 1949
- charliebunton
- Jul 23
- 4 min read
The summer air was thick with the sweet scent of popcorn and the smoky aroma of grilled bratwurst as Rogers City came alive on the vibrant Fourth of July, transforming the town into a lively hub of celebration and community camaraderie. The day began with the sun peeking over the horizon, casting a warm golden glow that promised a perfect summer day. Red, white, and blue bunting fluttered briskly in the gentle Lake Huron breeze, creating a picturesque scene that was both festive and inviting. The enthusiastic applause of proud citizens echoed through the streets as the grand parade rolled by, showcasing a colorful array of floats, marching bands, and local organizations, all cheered on by families gathered along the sidewalks, their faces lit up with joy and excitement.
Children's joyful squeals filled the air during the various races and games organized throughout the day, their bare feet pattering on the soft grass as they dashed to claim prizes and bragging rights. The rhythmic splashes from competitors in the log birling contest added an element of thrill, sending cool droplets over the waterfront crowd, who laughed and cheered with delight. The triumphant brass melodies of the Rogers City Community Band soared over the festivities, weaving a musical tapestry that complemented the jubilant atmosphere. Yet, nothing compared to the cheer that erupted from the crowd when Ray Mulka struck out his ninth batter, showcasing his exceptional skill on the mound. The excitement reached a fever pitch when Harold Hopp's powerful swing sent the baseball soaring over the fence in the second inning, securing the Indians' impressive 7-5 victory over Detroit Tigers legend Billy Rogell and his traveling all-stars, a moment that would be recounted with pride by fans for years to come.
As twilight painted the sky in rich hues of red, white, and blue fireworks, the celebration reached its peak inside the high school auditorium, where Pat LaLonde was crowned queen of the festivities. Radiant in her crown and sash, she embodied the pure joy and community spirit that made this Fourth of July unforgettable for everyone who witnessed Rogers City at its finest. The sense of unity and pride was strong, as families and friends came together to celebrate not only their nation but also their shared experiences and connections within the community.
In the midst of this vibrant celebration, it was also a busy month in the business community, reflecting the town's resilience and growth. Kenneth McWilliams acquired an interest in the Ruggles Funeral Home. The McWilliams-Ruggles Funeral Home was designed to provide comfort and dignity during difficult times, featuring family rooms, a casket display room, and a spacious four-car garage for their ambulance and undertaking service, ensuring that the community's needs were met with compassion and professionalism.
Meanwhile, Harold and Nina Fleming celebrated a successful comeback in the restaurant industry after selling their cherished Huron Cafe in 1948. They launched the Rogers City Cafe at the vibrant intersection of State and Larke Streets. In addition to serving an array of short orders, the cafe attracted visitors eager to savor one of Harold's renowned fruit or cream pies, a culinary treat that swiftly gained popularity among locals.
Louie's Steak House also made headlines with its relocation to a new red brick building on the corner of Michigan Avenue and Second Street. This new establishment was not just a restaurant; it included a Sinclair filling station, a taxi stand, and a water taxi service, catering to the needs of both locals and travelers alike. Additionally, the building offered refuse service, snowplow, and wrecker service, along with living quarters for the family at the back of the restaurant, making it a bustling hub of activity.
The Rogers City Tourist Court grocery store underwent a complete remodeling, marking a new era for the establishment. William Borough, the retired manager of the local A&P store, had opened the Tourist Court on US-23 back in 1940. The Tourist Court boasted a supervised trailer camp, overnight cabins, a grocery store, gasoline pumps, an ice cream and soft drink parlor, and a lunch counter, making it a popular stop for travelers. In the coming year, the business would transition to Borough's daughter and son-in-law, Bob and Anita Davis, who would rename it Bob & Anita's, continuing the legacy of service to the community.
The Presque Isle County Advance continued their "Know Your Merchant" series, shining a spotlight on local businesses such as Shaffer's Bakery, Swan Jewelers, The Hasenburg Market, Plath's Sanitary Market, and Paul Jaeger Tailor, helping to foster a sense of community pride and support for local entrepreneurs.
Additionally, Martha Logan, a nationally known home economist for Swift & Company, presented an engaging cooking school on July 25th in the high school auditorium. To impress her audience, Logan prepared a delicious glazed coffee cake, crispy French fried onion rings, and delightful tea doughnuts, much to the audience's delight. Prize platters of all the foods she prepared, along with complete recipe information in a new booklet titled "Queens of Cuisine," were distributed to the eager homemakers after the event, further enriching the community's culinary knowledge and skills.
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